In the 1980s, prior to the opening of the Martin Polin Library, the Atascadero Library was located on the ground floor of the historic city Administration Building (photo on right), occupying only 2745 square feet.

The Atascadero Friends of the Library was first organized around 1982. Spearheaded by Sarah Gronstrand, its goal was to build a new branch of the county library in Atascadero. Its efforts were instrumental in raising building funds for the new library. Auctions, raffles and sales of various sorts were held regularly, and the community responded to the generosity of Martin Polin's gift and the enthusiasm of the Friends of the Library. Pictured from left is Sarah Gronstrand, Ellen Baer, Eileen Cunningham, Lois Williams and Pat Semchenko, all members of Friends of the Library. (photo from Atascadero News, 1984)

Martin Polin was a graduate from Harvard Law School in 1945 (photo on right). While living in San Luis Obispo County, he became a prominent attorney and developer. In 1983, Martin and Susan Polin gave the City of Atascadero a lot near the corner of Morro Road and Atascadero Avenue, to be used for the purpose of a public library. The City of Atascadero and the County of San Luis Obispo subsequently entered into an agreement to construct a public library on this property, and the library opened in May, 1988.